Happy NYE. Happy the end of one chapter, beginning of another. Happy warm shower after a long, dirty job. Opening the window or door after the busy house party got too warm. Cresting the last peak on a long hike, lungs full of crisp air and eyes open to an uninterrupted view. Happy celebration with your arms above your head, leis around your neck, and friends cheering all around. Happy squeeze of lemon in your ice water. Happy sharp laugh over the unexpected. Flock of birds bursting from the trees to synchronized murmuration. Happy bandaids and moleskin and ice packs and collapse after giving it all. Time card punched for the last time. Last glowing light of day. Happy fresh determination, new journal, new class, new home, new plan. Happy trip to the library; checkouts, returns. Happy knowing glance and arms of a trusted friend. Happy breath of stillness. Happy rest. Happy, happy, happy beating heart.
